New Orleans is a National Leader in Black Male Graduation Rates

In Nashville, it is estimated that 47% of Black males graduate on time.

In Washington D.C., it is estimated that 40% of Black males graduate on time.

In Atlanta, it is estimated that 38% of Black males graduate on time.

In New York City, it is estimated that 28% of Black males graduate on time [Note: via twitter Joel Klein noted that Black male graduation rate in NYC is closer to 60%. Here is what NYC reports. It’s unclear to me how Schott’s report is so different than suggested actuals. Would be great if Schott verified their numbers.]

In Philadelphia, it is estimated that 26% of Black males graduate on time.

More on the methodology that Schott utilized here. In certain cases, from what I gather, the foundation used estimates rather than actuals (which was I used “it is estimated” in the numbers above). If anyone has actuals for the above cities, I’ll edit the post to acknowledge this information.

It’s a tragedy that New Orleans could be ranked 4th with a 65% Black male graduation rate. In a more just world, New Orleans would be at the bottom of the list.

Erica McConduit, CEO of the Urban League of New Orleans, said this about the gains in high schools in New Orleans:

Considering the system-wide challenges encountered in providing quality high school options that meet the needs of all students, it is inspiring to see that progress is occurring, especially with our most vulnerable populations …We must continue to ensure that our K-8 schools are providing strong academic foundations and supportive interventions when needed so that students aren’t entering high school grade levels behind and are prepared for the rigor of college and career prep coursework.

There is also this:

In 2005, 19% of New Orleans seniors enrolled in college.

In 2014, 51% of New Orleans seniors enrolled in college.

New Orleans over doubled its senior college enrollment rate in a ten year period.

All that being said, neither high school graduation rates nor college enrollment rates are the end all be all of educational outcomes. Additionally, the overall graduation rate did not improve this year, which is a source of worry.

Ultimately, post-secondary graduation rates and employment data, when available, will tell us more.

But, with every year that passes, the data keeps pointing in the right direction.

Comparisons with the state continues to demonstrate that New Orleans is increasing achievement at a faster rate than the state as a whole.

And, on terminal absolute measures, New Orleans students continue to achieve at higher and higher levels.

At the risk of being repetitive: Ignoring these results comes with the same risks as ignoring other scientific findings. Those who are most vulnerable to bad policy will suffer the most. In this case, as in most cases, those most vulnerable are those living in poverty.